Central Connection

Central
Out of the Mouths of Babes

Church of Christ
4200 NE Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala, FL 34470 Phone: 352-629-2413
Website: OcalaCentralChurch.com

by Deanna Bonnell

I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 18:3-4

excuse ourselves with too tired, too much work, or too poor of a mood to worship today.

E-mail: OcalaCentral@hotmail.com

Sunday:

Bible Study.9:00 a.m. Morning Worship....10:00 a.m. Evening Worship.6:00 p.m.

Wednesday:

Bible Study...7:00 p.m.

Come Visit Us
Central Connection is published quarterly as part of the mission of the Central Church of Christ in Ocala, Florida to glorify God and be Christlike. Provide ideas and articles to Mark Chatfield (markchat@embarqmail.com) Volume 6, Issue 1
January 2013

We may argue the finer points about how God commanded to gather on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). After all, there is I Dont Want . . . no command As teachers we prepare and plan, trying to for two or be creative and inspiring for the children; even midbut sometimes we come in to Bible Lab week services. and hear those dreaded words, I dont We may even want to do this today. go to the extreme of I There are many different sources of this deserve the statement. It might be a late night with little sleep. It might be a getting-ready-for- break. However, once the church argument with a sibling or parent. It might be leftover feel bad from school or mind is made even a disagreement with a church buddy. up to go and we get into the worship, we Whatever the origin, once the mind is made usually feel better about having gone and getting something positive out of it. up to stay in class (we have our secret weapons for helping with this decision) it God wants to bless us with what we dont usually takes only a few minutes for the deserve. The parts of worship are outlined students to get into the activities and lesson in Gods word and through His words to and begin to enjoy themselves. It is a very the apostles. Each point of worship allows rare occurrence that the I dont want to us to contact Gods blessings and bring our mood doesnt pass. hearts near to Him. We acknowledge His All of us can take a lesson from this about presence and thus feel it in our lives. Our worship is to Him, but for us. our own attitudes toward church attendance. God really knew best when He in1st Corinthians chapter 1:3-11 very elostructed us not to forsake the assembling quently states the intertwined relationship (Hebrews 10:25). When we are grown, and we have with God and fellow believers: dont have mom or dad to tells us to get in the car, sometimes it can be too easy to
Continued . . .

Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching.

Acts 20:7 Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings that we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.

For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble that came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many." Banish the "I dont want to " statement from you life.

A lesson in Trust
By Elaine Erhart

"Rest in the arms of the everlasting One. Rest in the care of God's ever loving Son. When all you can do has already been done Rest in the arms of God." Mark Lowry Many of us have faced major challenges in our lives. Each time that happens we pray and we know, without doubt that God is in control even when we do not or cannot understand all the whys and ifs and whens that are involved especially when it comes to the medical issues in those we love. May I share a simple but profound illustration of trust that I was blessed to experience a few weeks ago? For you who are not dog lovers, you might be tempted to stop reading right here but hear me out, please. In the early hours of the morning I was wide awake, praying for my husband, his doctor, and about our testimony as we walk the all too trodden road called cancer. To be honest, I was confessing my fears, concerns, heartache and the "what ifs" that were lingering in my mind. As I was praying, our dog Maxine was on the end of the bed. As my tears began to flow she seemed to be asleep. You see, she had been in a dog/cat fight and had two cuts on her eye and one in her ear. We had been treating her wounds all week. As I was asking God for strength and faith to trust Him without doubts I still was not at peace. Without any warning, Maxine jumped up and ran over to me and snuggled in as close as she could possibly get to me. I talked to her, petted her and soon she gave out a huge sigh, snuggled in even closer and went to sleep. All she wanted to know was that I was there, close to her. She knew I would do whatever possible to help her feel better. She could trust me and depend on me to comfort and care for her. With that in mind, she could rest easy. My prayer became "Father, that is me. I am like Maxine. I want to totally trust You, to know that regardless of what is out of my control is still in within Your control. You and You alone know the number of our days and You will never leave us or forsake us. When my heart aches please help me to snuggle even closer to You through Your Word, through our time together in prayer and through Your people. Help me to entrust Gary completely to Your loving care, knowing that he belongs to You. Just as Maxine did not fight me when I tried to help her may I not fight You but submit to Your loving will in full assurance and obedience." As Mark Lowry's song says "When all you can do has already been done, rest in the arms of God". May you rest in the peace of our amazing Savior as you walk the road you travel and praise God we can walk it together as a church family.
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Tie a Knot By Kim White Several years ago I saw a poster with a kitten hanging from a cord. The caption stated, When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. Have you ever been there? Has your life spiraled beyond your control and you feel like you are barely hanging on? Perhaps you have lost your job, found out a close family member is seriously ill, your child has made a poor choice that has had lasting effects on everyone else in your family, or all of these things happen at the same time! The good news is that God has made a promise for Christians in these types of situations. Notice that the first part of the verse below says in all things, not some things or most things but in ALL things. God has promised that He will work for us no matter what the situation. Some people may think that this isnt the case because they cant see the good immediately. Look further in the verse, in all things God works for the good. This doesnt mean that all things are good or will become good, only that God will work the situation out for the good of the Christian. So here is the crux of the matter, do you believe that God fulfills His promises? If you are not sure, look at the many examples in the Old Testament of God doing what He says He will do. God always has done and always will do what He says and He will And we know that in all things God look after His people. We just have to works for the good of those who love be patient, because Gods time is not Him, who have been called accordour time. (2 Peter 3:8)

OPPORTUNITIES Special classes are available for recently baptized Christians. An orientation class is prepared for Christians who have recently begun worshipping with us. A packet of information about Central is available in the foyer if you are visiting for the first time and are considering joining us in our mission to glorify God and be Christlike. Detailed information about Bible classes is available on our website, on the bulletin boards, and by asking one of the teachers, deacons, evangelists or shepherds. With about 300 members, we must make a special effort to meet and greet people. Please be patient as it may take a little time to get to know those who are new. Detailed current information about specific members is available at every entrance door in the weekly Family News & Notes. If you have any questions about Central or about the church of Christ, please contact Jody Broyles at 352-6292413 or email him at :
Jody@OcalaCentralChurch.com

ing to His purpose.

The older I get the more I have seen Romans 8:28 this truth in my life and in the lives of other Christians. God moves in our lives in such a way that eventually good comes from bad situations. It sometimes takes years and the willingness to acknowledge the good when it happens, but God has promised to watch over His children and work for their good. So, when you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang onto Gods promise. He is watching over and caring for you.

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The following material consists of selected quotes from a research paper titled Who are the Churches of Christ? by Dr. Tom Olbricht of Pepperdine University: This area covers some longer-term items about Central and its plans and events. Centrals mission is to glorify God and be Christlike. It is a long-term mission with more specific goals and objectives that can be found on our website, OcalaCentralChurch.com Sunday evenings in January feature a special series of sermons entitled Resolutions for a Better Life.. Our Summer Series on Wednesday evenings is to be centered around Exceeding and Precious Promises of God. A new website on Marriage is planned that will include weekly posts, helpful articles, Bible study materials, and more. Two Friends and Family days are planned for 2013. Vacation Bible School will be available in the summer. Churches of Christ have no organizational structure larger than local congregations and no official journals or ways of declaring consensus positions. The churches and preachers are highly entrepreneurial. Consensus views do often emerge through the influence of Christian universities and religious journals. [Although Christs church was established soon after His resurrection on the Day of Pentecost, much of its history is unavailable. However, after the Revolutionary War] several Americans with religious interests grew restless over autocratic structures, European control and theology, and denominational boundaries. In Virginia in the 1780's, a group of Methodist ministers led by James O'Kelly (1757-1826) sought freedom from supervision so that Methodist circuit riders could determine their own itinerary. For a time it seemed they would succeed, but the outcome was that preaching assignments were placed in the hands of the Bishop. Those who favored self determination broke away, founding the Republican Methodist Church. In 1794 they changed the name of the body to the Christian Church. Before the turn of the century preachers from this movement were traveling into the Carolinas and making their way through the Cumberland Gap into Kentucky and Tennessee. They also went west to the Ohio River and migrated into Ohio and Indiana. In New England, especially in the newly developing regions of New Hampshire and Vermont, persons of Baptist heritage, chiefly Abner Jones (1772-1841) and Elias Smith (1769-1846), formed new churches. They went by the name Christian, or Christian Connexion. The Bible was heralded, especially the New Testament, as the only source of authority and faith. In their opinion, Christians should cut adrift from historical encrustations so as to create the New Testament church in its first century purity. They started migrating westward after 1810, into upper New York, where they became especially strong, then Ohio, Indiana and Michigan. The two most important tributaries for the larger movement resulted from the work of Barton W. Stone (1772-1844) and the two Campbells, Thomas (1763-1854) and Alexander (1788-1866) father and son. At the turn of the century the second great awakening titillated the Kentucky and Ohio frontiers. Camp meetings sprang up throughout the region, the largest being the 1801 extravaganza at Cane Ridge, Kentucky, northeast of Lexington. Denominational barriers crumbled and the call to struggle followed by conversion, diluted traditional election theology. As the months wore on, some of the preachers, especially among the Presbyterians, favored the ecumenical savor. They thereupon formed an independent presbytery. Not too long after, carrying their interests to their logical conclusions, they dissolved the Springfield Presbytery in order to "sink into union with the body of Christ at large." These leaders found many frontiersmen ready to embrace their sentiments and rapid growth ensued. Barton W. Stone, born in Maryland, and then lived in North Carolina before migrating to Kentucky, eventually emerged as the chief spokesman.

In 1807 Thomas Campbell, born in North Ireland of Scottish descent, arrived in Pennsylvania, settling in Washington County. Long a Presbyterian minister, he exerted considerable energy in the land of his nativity in a struggle to unify dissident Presbyterian groups. In 1809, his gifted son Alexander arrived with the rest of Thomas' family from a stint at the University of Glasgow. Out of the Campbell's efforts, churches were formed in the region around Pittsburgh. After 1816, the Campbells joined with Baptist ministers of the Redstone and later the Mahoning Associations, winning several Ohio and Kentucky Baptist churches to their outlooks. The Campbells envisioned a mass exodus of believers from sectarian Protestantism. By 1850 Alexander Campbell, because of his journal editing, book publishing, debating, lecturing, and founding Bethany College, became the best known leader of the movement. His outlooks left a permanent stamp on all his descendants regardless of location on the theological spectrum. [The Central Church of Christ in Ocala has no outside oversight. It has a loving eldership and responds to no authority other than that provided by God in His word, the Bible.]

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Encourage And Be Encouraged

Special points of interest:
It is important to find ways to encourage people to learn more from the Bible, especially since some fear being pressured if they attend regular church services for the first time. Having studies at public places encourages those who attend, and allows strangers to see us carrying out our mission to glorify God and be Christlike. A side benefit is that those who study together in a more informal session get to know one another better. By Denny Hoar In June 2009, Central began additional Bible studies at a location away from the church building. The purpose was to invite folks from our community and not have them feel any pressure about being indoctrinated into the church. We decided to have this study on Friday mornings west of I-75 in the Heathbrook Shopping Centers Panera Bread restaurant. Jody Broyles led the discussion and attendance grew to the point that a second study was begun at a different place. The venue changes from time to time, so check with me or Welton Lockhart if you are not sure. There is now a single study on Fridays at the eastern location at 6:30 a.m. at Eggs Over on Baseline Road. Although the studies have not been exactly what we had hoped for in the way of bringing others to the gospel, I can say that it is a most beneficial time of Bible study. It may be an even more beneficial opportunity to get to know one another in a way that could not be done at the regular church meetings. As I think about this benefit, it made me think about the Wednesday evening scheduled services and classes. There are many who challenge the reason or need for a mid-week gathering. Acts 2:44 and Acts 4:32 point out the reasons for coming together and show the benefit for getting together whenever we can. It may not be for everyone, but how will you know if you refuse to try it?
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Acts 2:44 And all who believed were together and had all things common. Acts 4:32 And the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul. And not one said that any of the things which he possessed was his own. But they had all things common. Philippians 1:27 Only let your conduct be as becomes the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you, or else am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, striving together with one mind for the faith of the gospel,

ONLY A STEP AWAY

By Nancy Clyatt

Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you, 2 Corinthians 6:1 10 ...we entreat also that you receive not the grace of God in vain as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. Ezekiel 34:16 I will seek that which was lost, and will bring back that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick. 1Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto you were called, and did confess the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.

I am always amazed when people who are dealing with a serious health crisis manage it with grace and Christian attitudes. I am amazed because if it were me living in an unremitting health crisis, I feel sure I would be having a big pity party and would selfishly expect all who surrounded me to suffer along with me. I say all this to set the stage for the women of Central Church of Christ who are now in the battles of their lives. They are, however, traveling this road with utmost grace and enduring attitudes. They are a credit to the faith they adhere to and the resolve that God will never give them more than they can endure. Their faith runs deep and their battles seem only to strengthen them as they walk the path of the unknown. The sure thing in their lives is the constant reassurance of the God who will never leave them. No matter what, God is revealed through the paths they have chosen to follow, they are never complaining, always living in the here and now always seeking a higher power to mend their broken bodies and sooth their aching souls and give them strength to show their faith as they walk toward an unknown carnal destiny. They are my inspiration and their example helps me to see their world through clearer eyes cleansed through a flood of tears but strengthened through the knowledge that a benevolent God hears our prayers and mends our hearts and truly will never give us more than we can endure. These women help us become painfully aware of just how close each and every one of us is, at any given moment in time, one doctor visit or phone call away from a life threatening illness or health crisis. That realization should strengthen our resolve to fight the good fight as righteous soldiers of Christ. Thank you ladies, for inspiring us through your remarkable examples.

Acts 20:35 In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

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The Masters Voice

By Mary Carrel

In the Civil War epic movie, Gettysburg, there is a scene in which an officer explains to a new recruit the significance of some of their bugle calls. The officer states that they were having problems with men from their company responding to bugle calls meant for other companies. Mistaking a bugle call, in close quarters, with smoke and thunderous noise, often led to a company retreating when they should have been advancing, or vice versa. So, the officer explained and they wrote their own bugle calls, ones that were unique, that sounded completely different from other companies and were unmistakable, even in the heat of battle.

know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a strangers voice. In 2nd Timothy 2:15 we find, Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. The words that God has left for us admonish us to study so we will recognize His Words, to listen carefully to what others say in order to be able to identify false teachings.

Many people still remember the commercial of a little dog sitting intently in front of a gramophone, listening to his masters voice. This tradeWhat a beautiful lesmark painting was patented son for Christians. in July 1900. What a great We have to be able picture, one we should take to recognize our to heart. We should be in church services at every opporMasters voice, His WORD. We have to know Biblical tunity, listening to the great lessons from Gods Word, truths in order to distinguish false teachings. This lesson is and in Bible classes designed to help us correctly handle very clearly presented in John 10:3-5. The gatekeeper the word of truth. Were never too young to start listenopens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. ing; and even though age may dim our hearing, were He calls his own sheep by name and leads them never too old to remember the words captured in our out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on hearts so long ago. ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they

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Archaeological Finds from the Old Testament

by Robert A. Waters

Thoughts from Recent Sermons and Classes

Sunday, November 4, Brian Wakefield: By reading the accounts related to Daniel we can demonstrate Gods power by showing respect and by not being aloof. Daniel was blameless, prayerful, and prepared for persecution. Christians are called to live a life that allows others to see Gods glory.

Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, ruled from 597 to 586 B.C. Under his reign, the Israelites worshipped idols and engaged in sordid, depraved behavior. God told Jeremiah to prophesy that if the nation didnt change, He would allow Babylon to take Israel into captivity. Zedekiah refused to heed Gods word. Tiring of Jeremiahs condemnation, the king allowed his princes to take revenge on the prophet. Jehucal, Gedaliah, and others kidnapped Jeremiah and threw him down an empty cistern. Unable to climb out of the deep, muddy cavern, they knew he would starve to death. The prophet, however, was rescued by Ebed-melech, the kings Ethiopian servant. In 586 B.C., Nebuchadnezzars army laid siege to Jerusalem and destroyed it. The conquerors captured Zedekiah, and killed his sons while he watched. Then they blinded the former king and led him to Babylon in chains. Although its a compelling story, some modern skeptics doubted that it really happened. But a few years ago, two events occurred that silenced the critics. Archaeology News Report researcher Jonathan Kantrowitz writes: In 2005, archaeologist Dr. Eilat Mazar, on behalf of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, was digging into the northern section of the City of David when one of her colleagues spotted a small piece of clay lying in the dust. It had originally been made to seal a cord tied around a papyrus scroll. The tiny bullae bore a three-line Paleo-Hebrew inscription: Belonging to Yehucal, son of Shelemiyahu, son of Shovi. This was the seal of Jehucal. (Bullae such as this were used to seal official documents.) Three years later, Mazar again made a discovery that stunned the doubters. Another seal was discovered. It read: Belonging to Gedaliah, son of Pashur. Jehucal and Gedaliah, the princes who persecuted Gods prophet, are specifically mentioned in Chapter 38 of the book of Jeremiah. Combined with the Babylonian Chronicles, discovered in the 1950s, these seals present irrefutable evidence that the book of Jeremiah is historically accurate. (The Babylonian Chronicles are a library of clay cuneiform tablets written 2500 years ago by the Babylonians to record major events of their empirethey coincide in great detail with Biblical accounts.)
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Sunday, November 4, Colin Williamson: The tree of Calvary reminds us of Jesus courage and His mission toward sinners. He showed compassion and love for two notorious criminals. In doing that, Jesus shows us how to live and how to die always seeking souls for God.

Sundays in November, Jody Broyles: The Central Church of Christ needs to be active in discipline. Preventive preaching and teaching, Corrective chastising, showing care and love, Punitive withdrawing or shunning when other scriptural approaches dont work.

Sunday, November 25, Wayne Yancey: There are those who will not see. Denial is a type of blindness. The spies to the promised land failed to remember Gods power or His promise. We can see by believing in Gods power, observing His power, experiencing His power, and living His power.